Police are seeking someone with a dislike of lawyers or judges who is believed to have spiked the food at a court canteen with urine.

The advocates' lounge at Snaresbrook crown court, in north-east London, has been closed after concerns were raised that the food might have been deliberately contaminated.

There has been no official confirmation of what substance was involved, but one report said it was believed to be urine, traces of which were said to have been found in soups, salads and sandwiches. Customers at the lounge – a private dining room reserved for legal officers – complained that their food "smelled a bit off", the Sun reported.

Staff are said to have been suspended while the investigation continues. Eurest Services, part of the Compass catering group, which supplies the food, said it took such matters "extremely seriously".

A spokeswoman said: "Eurest Services is aware of a suspected case of food contamination. We are currently investigating the matter and therefore cannot comment further at this stage."

Police said they were called in this week and were investigating the allegations along with Redbridge council, which operates the court. There have been no arrests to date.

The council said: "Following an inquiry from a member of staff at the court, one of our food safety officers visited the court on Wednesday to give advice on a possible contamination of food issue. A joint investigation has begun which is being led by the police. We are unable to comment further until the police investigation is complete."

Snaresbrook is one of the UK's more picturesque courts, a Victorian Gothic affair complete with turrets, and set in parkland. Opened in 1843 as an orphanage and school, it was an early design by George Gilbert Scott, the celebrated architect of St Pancras station.

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